Messages

31

The Hardline / Re: LORT rehearsal/performance hours question

« on: Jan 02, 2008, 11:24 am »

No I have never rehearsed two shows at the same time.

But I quite often have 2-3 weeks of overlap.  The craziest was the week that I started rehearsals the morning after one show opened and my tech week overlaped with prep. 

It's crazy but I love it that way!!  Havent done it in a while because I work out of town so much these days.

32

The Hardline / Re: LORT rehearsal/performance hours question

« on: Dec 30, 2007, 05:12 pm »

Even done it myself...

As an SM? Was it a mainstage/studio type thing, i.e., one theatre, two stages, B+/D kind of thing? Two theatres, different contracts? I'm curious.

As a SM...  Mostly two different theatres... once it was two contracts one theatre (LORT A).

33

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Props Question....

« on: Dec 30, 2007, 03:25 am »

Yeah, that is a common production meeting item...

"okay, the backpack/purse/fan/wallet/shawl etc... who wants it??"

34

The Hardline / Re: LORT rehearsal/performance hours question

« on: Dec 29, 2007, 08:07 pm »

I've had this happen frequently.

Even done it myself...

35

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Preshow (turn off your cellphone) announcements

« on: Dec 29, 2007, 08:01 pm »

I heard a story once of an Artistic Director whos phone went off on opening night of his show... and the ringtone was a very suggestive song as it was his boyfriend calling.

36

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Merged Topics - "Left or Right" and "Your book Left or right"

« on: Dec 29, 2007, 07:55 pm »

I'm from the school of make one script that serves for rehearsing and calling.

I agree, no  matter on which side you prefer to put your whatever. I like trees waaaaaay more that I like a fastidious prompt script.

I dont use my score for blocking, only for calling so that has never worked for me.  I prefer to have clean copy for calling that way there is nothing confusing for someone who might be calling it on the fly.  I also tend to have one of my assistants take the blocking script and clean it up and corect any changes.

37

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: "Shadowing" Stage Managers?

« on: Dec 29, 2007, 07:37 pm »

It may have it's place on an educational resume - when applying for internships or possible first job outside of school, but it should go away very quickly.

I have seen them listed as workshops or masterclasses... but they should be the first to go when trimming the resume!!

38

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: "Shadowing" Stage Managers?

« on: Dec 01, 2007, 03:43 pm »

Shaddowing on Broadway is fun too.  I did two shows while I was working in NYC in September/October.  Got some good connections from it as well.

39

The Hardline / Re: AEA as PA

« on: Nov 25, 2007, 12:28 am »

This could also be someone who took their equity card too early and is having trouble finding work.

Not necessarily.  It could be for a variety of reasons.  To get some experience working with a certain company, PSM director, GM.  Actually one of the best assistants I have ever had was offered a PA gig for a Broadway show.

40

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: "Shadowing" Stage Managers?

« on: Nov 24, 2007, 04:15 pm »

I have done it since I was in college and continue to do it though I have been a professional SM for many years.  Its great for networking and you always learn something new.  I have shadowed at least 20 shows and have probably had half as many shadow me.

I find for tours the best thing to do is make a phone call.  Sometimes its takes talking to several people to get to the right voice mail.  What you want to do is reach someone at the stage door and ask for the stage management office.  Then just explain your situation and say that if possible you would like to shadow a member of the SM team.

Usually stage managers are more than happy to share what they do and when they say no it is probably due to a management rule.

41

The Hardline / Re: AEA as PA

« on: Nov 24, 2007, 04:04 pm »

I too was shocked when I heard this.

At Papermill I was told I could hire an AEA member as a production assistant but many times it is difficult to find AEA members who are willing to do it.  I know several Equity members who have been offered rehearsal PA gigs for Broadway shows.

I know what you are thinking and going through... been there done that!

42

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Preshow (turn off your cellphone) announcements

« on: Nov 18, 2007, 11:38 am »

A different DC theater

Which one???

43

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Preshow (turn off your cellphone) announcements

« on: Nov 18, 2007, 12:51 am »

My least favorite is the horrible way it is done at the Dragon Lady's theatre here in DC.  It involves the house staff circulating through the house demonstrating how to turn it off.

Eww...That sounds almost insulting.

Oh VERY!!

44

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: Preshow (turn off your cellphone) announcements

« on: Nov 17, 2007, 07:31 pm »

My favorite (not that it addresses photos or texting... just annoying rings)-

A friend of mine directed Sunday in the Park with George at Chicago Shakes some years back.  When house opened a sound cue started that had sporadic cell phone ringing.  It was designed so that they were at various intervals and happened in a different place in the house each time.  The thought being that John Q Patron would hear it and remember to check their phone.

They did not have a single cell phone ring the entire run.

My least favorite is the horrible way it is done at the Dragon Lady's theatre here in DC.  It involves the house staff circulating through the house demonstrating how to turn it off.  Makes me shudder just thinking about it!

45

The Hardline / Re: AEA supporting IATSE?

« on: Nov 16, 2007, 02:21 pm »

EXACTLY!!